In the West Kent area and was looking at Judd, Skinners and TW Boys Grammar in that order as son's preferred choices. Unfortunately he has scored only 380. Can anyone give an indication of what this score means in terms of potential to get into any of those schools and what other schools in the area should be considered, given that 4 choices are required.

Also, does it reduce the chance of entry if a particular school is put as second choice instead of first choice?

If you are withing the selective area of West Kent then you should gain a place at TWBGS as they will take on distance not score. Unfortunately, with 380 you are unlikely to gain a place at either Judd or Skinners' unless you go to appeal. If you think there were mitigating circumstances for an unexpectedly low score then it would still be worth putting Judd or Skinners' on your CAF so that you can appeal as you can't appeal for a school for which you haven't made an application.

The schools do not know which order you place them on the CAF - so you should always place your first preference first, even if you think it unlikely to gain a place. The schools allocate on their criteria regardless of where you placed them on your CAF e.g. if on score they will fill on the highest, say, 125 scores; if on distance, the closest 125 children. Once the LEA has received the lists from the school if your first choice is not available then your second choice is taken into consideration and if there were places there, you would be offered this. If your second choice was not available and there were places at your third choice you would be offered this and so on down the list. It is always worthwhile considering a "safe" option e.g. a non-selective school in which you would be likely to gain a place in order to avoid being offered a school you really DON'T want.

There are some non-grammar alternatives. If you are a regular churchgoer there is Bennett Memorial and St Gregorys if you are Catholic. There is also Hayesbrook in Tonbridge, though I don't know anything about it or its admissions criteria - it may be worth looking into. In Sevenoaks itself there is the "new" Knole Academy.

Where do you live? TWGSB takes boys who have passed the 11+ regardless of score so distance is the only factor. The school web site may have details of previous catchment areas but usually it extends a fair way.

We are living near Amherst school so that is the north side of the town.

I have read what happened and feel for you sherry_d - it must be terribly hard. My boy missed one year of his education after being moved up a year so he did do well to pass, but it is always upsetting when things do not turn out as you want them to, and especially when you are only 10 years of age. Things tend to sort themselves out over time and usually end up being just fine, but it doesn't make it easier at the time!

You will not get in to Judd or Skinners with that score. However TWGSB does have pupils from as far away as Sevenoaks so that is probably your best bet, it's a pity you live on the Northern side of Sevenoaks. Failing that you need to look at all other schools in the area, go private, or try your luck on the St Olaves exam (there is a couple of days left to apply for this).

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